Canon claims the "crowning achievement" is an autofocus system with 45 AF points that include 39 high precision cross type focusing points that can capture moving things - whether they're athletes or red kites, at up to 10 frames asecond.

The company will also offer a WFT-E2A wireless file transmitter although pricing and availability for that gizmo hasn't yet been announced.

The camera includes ISO speed settings ranging from 100 to 12,800 in one third or one half stop increments with expansion settings for bright and very dimly lit places or scenes.

If you've got a spare $5,000 lying around, your buddies are going to pretty impressed by this baby. But it's a serious amount of money probably only really suitable for the really serious snapper.